DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Acknowledges ICE Surge in Chicago; Says National Guard Deployment Up to Trump

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Acknowledges ICE Surge in Chicago; Says National Guard Deployment Up to Trump
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Washington, D.C. — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Monday that federal immigration enforcement operations in Chicago have been “significantly increased” in recent weeks, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ramps up workplace and community-level actions in the city.

The surge, which multiple local officials have described as “sweeping,” has drawn criticism from immigrant rights groups and some city leaders, who say the operations have instilled fear in Chicago’s large immigrant community.

Speaking at DHS headquarters, Noem defended the escalation as a necessary measure to “restore order to a broken system,” while emphasizing that ultimate decisions about deploying the National Guard rest with President Donald Trump.

“We are focused on enforcing the law, protecting communities, and ensuring that our borders and our cities are not overwhelmed,” Noem said. “When it comes to National Guard deployments, that authority lies solely with the president. DHS will provide support and coordination if and when that decision is made.”

Tensions With Local Officials

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has strongly opposed the stepped-up ICE presence, saying it undermines the city’s sanctuary policies and erodes trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. “The fear in our neighborhoods is real,” Johnson said in a statement, calling on the White House to “reconsider this destabilizing approach.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has also criticized the operation, warning that any federal push to send National Guard troops into Illinois without coordination with the state would “invite legal and constitutional challenges.”

National Guard Question Looms

The possibility of Guard deployment in Chicago has circulated since last week, when administration officials suggested the White House was weighing additional security measures. Noem, however, sought to draw a clear line: “This is not a DHS decision. Any order involving the Guard would come directly from the president.”

For now, DHS is working with local police on what officials described as “targeted operations,” although immigrant advocates say the scale of arrests and detentions suggests far broader enforcement than advertised.

A Polarizing Issue

The surge comes as immigration continues to dominate U.S. politics in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms. Republicans have praised the crackdown as overdue, while Democrats accuse the administration of inflaming tensions in diverse urban centers for political gain.

National immigrant-rights organizations are planning protests in Chicago later this week, while ICE has signaled that operations will continue “for the foreseeable future.”By Kylo B.

Washington, D.C. — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Monday that federal immigration enforcement operations in Chicago have been “significantly increased” in recent weeks, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ramps up workplace and community-level actions in the city.

The surge, which multiple local officials have described as “sweeping,” has drawn criticism from immigrant rights groups and some city leaders, who say the operations have instilled fear in Chicago’s large immigrant community.

Speaking at DHS headquarters, Noem defended the escalation as a necessary measure to “restore order to a broken system,” while emphasizing that ultimate decisions about deploying the National Guard rest with President Donald Trump.

“We are focused on enforcing the law, protecting communities, and ensuring that our borders and our cities are not overwhelmed,” Noem said. “When it comes to National Guard deployments, that authority lies solely with the president. DHS will provide support and coordination if and when that decision is made.”

Tensions With Local Officials

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has strongly opposed the stepped-up ICE presence, saying it undermines the city’s sanctuary policies and erodes trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. “The fear in our neighborhoods is real,” Johnson said in a statement, calling on the White House to “reconsider this destabilizing approach.”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has also criticized the operation, warning that any federal push to send National Guard troops into Illinois without coordination with the state would “invite legal and constitutional challenges.”

National Guard Question Looms

The possibility of Guard deployment in Chicago has circulated since last week, when administration officials suggested the White House was weighing additional security measures. Noem, however, sought to draw a clear line: “This is not a DHS decision. Any order involving the Guard would come directly from the president.”

For now, DHS is working with local police on what officials described as “targeted operations,” although immigrant advocates say the scale of arrests and detentions suggests far broader enforcement than advertised.

A Polarizing Issue

The surge comes as immigration continues to dominate U.S. politics in the lead-up to the 2026 midterms. Republicans have praised the crackdown as overdue, while Democrats accuse the administration of inflaming tensions in diverse urban centers for political gain.

National immigrant-rights organizations are planning protests in Chicago later this week, while ICE has signaled that operations will continue “for the foreseeable future.”